Wall types
Concrete Retaining Walls in Brentwood, CA
Poured concrete and concrete block (CMU) walls are common for taller walls, driveways and spots where the wall carries extra load. Here is how they work in general terms, what drives the price, and what to ask before you hire.
Poured concrete vs CMU block
Poured concrete walls are formed on site and filled with concrete, usually with steel reinforcement, giving a continuous wall. CMU (concrete masonry unit) walls are stacked from concrete blocks, commonly reinforced and grouted. Both sit on a footing, and both depend on drainage behind the wall. We don't give specifications; the contractor or engineer sets the design for your site.
Where concrete is commonly chosen
- Taller walls and walls that hold back a driveway, slope or structure.
- Property-line walls where a solid face is wanted.
- Yards where the wall will be finished with stucco, paint or stone veneer to match the house.
Finishes
A bare concrete wall can look plain. Common finishes include stucco, paint, stamped patterns and stone veneer. Ask for the finish as its own line in the bid so you can compare.
Drainage and maintenance
Concrete doesn't rot, but a wall with blocked drainage can crack, stain or lean. Weep holes and drain lines need to stay clear. Watch for hairline cracks that widen and for water marks at the base; see the warning signs.
What concrete walls cost
HomeGuide lists $15–$45 per square foot overall for concrete retaining walls, with poured concrete at $20–$45 and block or CMU at $20–$35. For 3–6 ft walls it gives $45–$270 per linear foot, and $3,000–$10,000 (average $6,500) for a 50 ft wall (HomeGuide). Footings add $18–$55 per linear foot and permits $50–$450 in the same guide. Angi lists concrete at $30–$50 per square foot (Angi). Full details are in the cost guide.
Permits and engineering
Brentwood's code requires a building permit for retaining walls over four feet high and walls supporting a surcharge, and says walls shall not exceed four feet unless an exception is granted with a geotechnical report (Municipal Code §17.660.008). Read the permit guide.
Compare other materials
Block and stone and wood walls suit different yards; see all three compared.
Concrete retaining wall questions
How much does a concrete retaining wall cost?
HomeGuide puts concrete retaining walls at $15–$45 per square foot overall, with poured concrete at $20–$45 and block or CMU at $20–$35. For 3–6 ft walls it lists $45–$270 per linear foot, and a 50 ft wall at $3,000–$10,000 (average $6,500). Angi gives poured concrete $30–$50 per square foot.
Is poured concrete or CMU block better for a retaining wall?
Neither is better everywhere. Poured concrete is a solid, continuous wall built in forms; CMU is built from concrete masonry units, usually with reinforcement and grout. The right choice depends on height, soil, access and budget, and the engineer or contractor should make that call.
Does a concrete retaining wall need a permit in Brentwood?
The City's code requires a building permit for retaining walls over four feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and for walls supporting a surcharge. See the permit guide for the quoted text, and confirm with the City.
Can a concrete wall be finished to look like stone?
Yes. Concrete walls can be stamped, stuccoed, painted or faced with stone veneer. Finishes add cost, so ask for them as a separate line in the bid.
East Contra Costa communities we cover
Requests come from homeowners across the eastern end of Contra Costa County, along Highway 4 and the Delta.
Request a concrete retaining wall quote
Tell us the wall height, length and what is happening. We pass your request to an independent local contractor serving East Contra Costa, who contacts you to look at the project and quote it. There's no cost to send a request.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire
- Ask for a written, itemized quote